Kabul, Afghanistan – In a significant step toward strengthening economic ties, Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with Indian businessman Ankur Stana and his accompanying delegation at his office yesterday.During the meeting, Mr. Stana expressed strong interest in establishing a showroom for precious gemstones in Afghanistan.
Kabul 24: He also highlighted opportunities to enhance collaboration between Afghan and Indian traders in the spices sector, aiming to boost trade volumes and explore joint ventures in processing and export activities.Additionally, Mr. Stana shared details about advanced German technology capable of producing substantial quantities of diesel fuel from recycled plastics.
He conveyed readiness to facilitate the transfer of this innovative technology to Afghanistan, which could contribute to waste management solutions, energy production, and sustainable industrial development.
Minister Azizi warmly welcomed the proposals and pledged full support from his ministry. He described Afghanistan as a country brimming with extensive investment opportunities, emphasizing the active role of the private sector. “The private sector in Afghanistan is dynamic and fully prepared to partner with foreign investors,” he stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for business collaborations.
This meeting represents an important milestone in fostering economic and investment partnerships between Afghanistan and neighboring as well as international countries, particularly India.
With Afghanistan’s rich reserves of gemstones—such as emeralds, lapis lazuli, and other semi-precious stones—and its growing potential in agriculture including spices, such initiatives could drive mutual growth.Broader context shows increasing engagement between Kabul and New Delhi.
Recent visits by Minister Azizi to India have focused on expanding trade in spices, attracting investments in mining, agriculture, energy, and establishing joint production facilities.
Afghanistan continues to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign capital by offering incentives like affordable land and security assurances for investors.
The proposed technology transfer from Germany via Indian facilitation could address pressing needs in energy and environmental sectors, while gemstone and spice collaborations promise to unlock new revenue streams.
These developments signal optimism for deeper regional economic integration and private-sector-led recovery in Afghanistan.
